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Sakai 2.5.2 Gets Performance Boost; New Modules Released

The Sakai Foundation has released the Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment 2.5.2, the first maintenance update to the open-source learning management system since the 2.5 release in March. The new version includes performance enhancements, as well as a number of bug fixes and other enhancements.

Sakai 2.5 from the Sakai Foundation was released back in late March with some 1,500 improvements and fixes, including 300 individual feature enhancements. Version 2.5.2 is a more modest update, though it does include about 300 improvements and fixes in its own right.

A complete list of issues addressed in the 2.5.2 release can be found here. Sakai CLE 2.5.2 is available for download here.

In other Sakai news, open source software developer Etudes has released updates to two of its software modules for Sakai learning management system: Melete, a lesson building tool, and Mneme, an assessment engine. Both support Sakai 2.3 and higher.

Mneme is an assessment engine for Sakai that includes authoring tools, publishing features, a grading module, and a delivery module for providing assessments to students. The new 1.1.8 release includes a wide range of bug fixes, as well as a new import module for porting assignments into Mneme.

Melete is a lesson builder that allows instructors to compile instructional materials for use in courses. It includes a rich text editor combined with features that allow instructors to upload or link to materials. The new 2.5 release includes a number of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. Some highlights include:

A new feature for moving sections between modules;

Multi-module export;

New management features for uploaded and embedded objects;

The ability to convert a module to a Web page for printing, plus a new preference to enable printing;

Mneme 1.1.8 is available for download here. Melete 2.5 is available here. Both are free, and both support Sakai 2.3.x, 2.4.x, and 2.5. Etudes recommends that all users upgrade to the latest versions, as support for previous releases has ended.

About the Author

David Nagel is edtorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.